Micropollutants and Their Interactions With Relevant Environmental Viruses

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Emerging pollutants include micropollutants like pharmaceuticals and microplastics (MPs).
• Viruses adsorb onto MPs, often binding to biofilms forming the plastisphere.
• These interactions occur within aquatic environments, relevant to the One Health framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically assess interactions between micropollutants (MPs, organic micropollutants) and viruses in aquatic systems.
• To evaluate the role of MPs as viral vectors and their impact on viral life cycles and survival.
• To highlight the implications for human, animal, and environmental health under the One Health perspective.

Main Methods:

• Extensive bibliographic survey and critical review of existing literature.
• Analysis of viral adsorption onto microplastics and biofilms.
• Assessment of the impact of micropollutants on viral stability and infectivity.

Main Results:

• Viral interaction with bacterial cell wall components enhances infectivity and thermal stability.
• Microplastics act as vectors, influencing viral survival, transmission, and host interactions.
• Biofilms on MPs provide a favorable environment for viral persistence.

Conclusions:

• Microplastic-virus interactions pose significant risks to One Health.
• Further practical studies are needed to understand viral stability in the presence of micropollutants.
• This research area offers insights into pathogen persistence and potential for new viral outbreaks.